No one likes feeling bad. Yet sadly, so many individuals who struggle with their mental health do. Of course, the reasons for mental health issues are complex and multifactorial. But some things can make it worse in many cases. Find some of those things below, and learn how to change them to help positively support your mental health.
Too much screen time
There are all sorts of issues that too much screen time can cause that can impact our mental health. One is that our devices emit blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to get a restful night’s sleep. Another is that social media invites us to constantly compare our real selves to others’ best selves. This can make us feel inadequate and cause mental health issues, from depression to anxiety and even eating disorders, to worsen.
Screen time can negatively impact mental health because it limits real in-person connections. It may seem as if you are part of the world as you scroll through your media feed. However, when using social media, you are only experiencing very surface interactions. Unfortunately, these exchanges hold little emotional value over the long term.
With all that in mind, it’s a good idea to have string boundaries with ourselves when it comes to screen time. These should include seeking out other dopamine-inducing activities first, like speaking to a friend or dancing to a song. It should also include no screen at least 1 hour before bed.
Expecting a fast and easy recovery
When you are struggling with your mental health, expecting a fast and easy recovery can also make things worse. This is because we often get into the trap of thinking that one bad day means we have lost all our progress. However, this is not the case.
Indeed, mental health recovery is not a linear process. Also, even though you are having a bad day, it doesn’t mean that you are back to square one. Instead, try to see a bad day as a blip and as an opportunity to use one or more of the coping skills you have learned.
Ignoring hearing loss
Statistically, hearing loss is connected to poor mental health. This is because there are many untreated hearing loss effects, such as social withdrawal, cognitive decline and anxiety. The solution, though, is simple, and it’s to treat your hearing loss. This means first going to your audiologist and getting a hearing test. Then, proceeding with the treatment plan they have created for you. This may include using a hearing aid or smart hearing aid.
Poor diet
Science is now showing that gut health impacts our mood. What that means is that those of us with a poor diet can also expect a poor mood. That is why eating well is so important for mental health support. To that end, eating a whole food diet with little refined sugar is a smart idea. It’s also best to add fermented foods, as these can make all the difference with your gut biome.